Written Answers Tuesday 21 September 2010

Scottish Executive

Animal Welfare

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it regards the powers available to inspectors in the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 as sufficient to inspect, investigate and instigate a prosecution where a farmer is suspected of having failed to ensure the welfare of animals.

Richard Lochhead: The Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 empowers inspectors to enter and inspect any premises, with the exception of domestic premises, without a warrant if they have reason to believe that animal welfare offences have been committed.

  A warrant from a sheriff or justice of the peace is required to allow an inspector to enter domestic premises or to carry out a search of the premises, except where the delay in obtaining a warrant would frustrate the purpose for the search.

  These provisions are satisfactory to allow entry, inspection and investigation for inspectors and the need to obtain a warrant in certain circumstances provide appropriate safeguards for the public.

Animal Welfare

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been issued with statutory improvement notices under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 in relation to farm livestock in each year since 2006 and which agencies issued these notices.

Richard Lochhead: Animal health are unable to identify the number of statutory improvement notices issued under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 from Regulation 10 notices issued under the Welfare of Farmed Animals (Scotland) Regulations 2000. Therefore, the combined total of statutory improvement notices issued by animal health in relation to farmed livestock were:

  2006: 19

  2007: 46

  2008: 18

  2009: 18.

  The Scottish Government does not hold records for the number of statutory improvement notices issued by local authorities, the Scottish SPCA or other enforcement bodies.

Animal Welfare

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 in relation to farm livestock in each year since 2006 and how many of these offences were reported in the first instance by (a) Animal Health and (b) local authority officials.

Richard Lochhead: The number of prosecutions brought under animal welfare offences in the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 were:

  2006-07: 3

  2007-08: 71

  2008-09: 102

  It is not possible to state which prosecutions related to farm livestock, nor whether the offences were reported by animal health, local authorities or other enforcement agencies, such as the police or the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Animal Welfare

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been convicted under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 in relation to farm livestock in each year since 2006 and how many of these offences were reported in the first instance by (a) Animal Health and (b) local authority officials.

Richard Lochhead: The number of people convicted of animal welfare offences under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 were:

  2006-07: 3

  2007-08: 60

  2008-09: 80.

  It is not possible to state which convictions related to farm livestock, nor whether the offences were reported by animal health, local authorities or other enforcement agencies, such as the police or the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Animal Welfare

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been sentenced to serve prison terms under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 in relation to farm livestock in each year since 2006 and how many of these offences were reported in the first instance by (a) Animal Health and (b) local authority officials.

Richard Lochhead: The number of people sentenced to serve prison terms for animal welfare offences committed under Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 were:

  2006-07: 0

  2007-08: 2

  2008-09: 4.

  It is not possible to state whether the offences related to farm livestock, nor whether the offences were reported by animal health, local authorities or other enforcement agencies, such as the police or the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Animal Welfare

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been fined under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 in relation to farm livestock in each year since 2006 and how many of these offences were reported in the first instance by (a) Animal Health and (b) local authority officials.

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been fined under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 in relation to farm livestock in each of year since 2006 and how many of these offences were reported in the first instance by (a) Animal Health and (b) local authority officials.

Richard Lochhead: The number of people fined for animal welfare offences committed under Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 were:

  2006-07: 2

  2007-08: 46

  2008-09: 56.

  It is not possible to state whether the offences related to farm livestock, nor whether the offences were reported by animal health, local authorities or other enforcement agencies, such as the police or the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Animal Welfare

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is currently conducting or planning to commission research into how many animals died during severe weather in March 2010 and, if so, where this research is being undertaken; who is carrying it out, and what the cost is.

Richard Lochhead: The Scottish Government is not conducting nor planning to commission research into how many animals died during the severe weather earlier this year.

Cancer

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to take forward an initiative similar to that announced by the UK Government of a cancer drugs fund aimed at giving patients access to new medicines.

Nicola Sturgeon: The Scottish Government is aware that the Department of Health plans to publish later in the year, a consultation on establishing a cancer drugs fund from April 2011 and that interim funding will be made available for cancer drugs via clinically led panels in October 2010. The Scottish Government will give due consideration to the consultation and its proposals when further details are made available following the Comprehensive Spending Review.

  However, the extant guidance on the introduction and availability of newly licensed medicines published on 17 May 2010 provides a robust, equitable and transparent framework for NHS boards to make decisions about all newly licensed medicines and not just those to treat cancer. The guidance includes specific advice in relation to making such decisions for individual patients. These arrangements are intended to ensure that, where there are demonstrable benefits, NHS patients in all parts of Scotland are able to access newly licensed medicines in accordance with their particular needs.

Communities

Mary Mulligan (Linlithgow) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to produce an evaluation of the Wider Role Fund

Alex Neil: There are currently no plans to produce an evaluation of the Wider Role Fund.

Communities

Mary Mulligan (Linlithgow) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are in place to monitor the implementation of the Wider Role Fund

Alex Neil: Implementation of the Wider Role Fund is administered by officials within the Housing and Regeneration Directorate. Current monitoring procedures are as follows:

  Each grant award letter contains a schedule listing activities, outputs and outcomes the project intends to achieve.

  At quarterly intervals RSLs provide monitoring information for their projects. This sets out progress compared to that anticipated in the grant award letter.

  Monitoring visits are made to randomly selected projects.

  Informal monitoring of project progress is undertaken through regular contact with RSLs.

  The fund is subject to standard Scottish Government financial monitoring and reporting systems.

  Selected projects are written up as case studies and published online by the Scottish Centre for Regeneration’s Learning Networks.

Crime

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many homicides there were in 2008-09, broken down by the (a) sex of the offender, (b) age of the offender, (c) police force area and (d) main method of killing.

Kenny MacAskill: Information on the number of homicides recorded in Scotland in 2008-09 broken down by (a) sex of the offender, (b) age of the offender, (c) police force area and (d) main method of killing is given in Tables 2, 4 and 6 of the statistical bulletin Homicide in Scotland, 2008-09 , published by the Scottish Government in February 2010, and available at:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/02/19113939/12.

Elections

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider legislating to prevent the UK Government from holding a referendum on the same day as the 2011 Scottish Parliament election.

Bruce Crawford: The Scottish Government is opposed to holding the proposed Alternative Vote referendum on the same day as elections to the Scottish Parliament.

  The timing of the Scottish Parliament elections is set out in the Scotland (Act) 1998. The date of the proposed referendum will be set by the UK Government’s Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill. Neither the Scottish Government nor the Scottish Parliament has the power to change the date of Scottish Parliament elections or the proposed UK referendum. This is one reason why we will continue to press the UK Government to devolve legislative responsibility for elections to the Scottish Parliament.

Energy

Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, given the regulatory regime for carbon capture and storage (CCS), whether work is being undertaken to determine the potential future liabilities of the Scottish Government should consent be given for a new coal-fired power station and CCS turn out not to be technically feasible.

Jim Mather: The Scottish Government has a clear commitment to decarbonise the electricity generation sector by 2030 and strongly supports the early demonstration of CCS at commercial scale. As stated in our Roadmap published in March 2010, the role of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in this process will be subject to a rolling review of its technical and economic viability.

  That review process will also take place in conjunction with the knowledge gained from UK and EU CCS demonstration programmes. Should CCS be deemed not to be technically feasible, it will be important to ensure that any future liabilities are fully understood and effectively addressed.

  In such a circumstance, we would expect other market interventions, such as revisions to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and the proposed UK-wide Emissions Performance Standard would be used to ensure decarbonisation of electricity generation by 2030, whilst maintaining security of supply.

Ferry Services

Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is of the study by BM Consulting and Reference Economic Consultants into potential cost reduction measures on the Northern Isles ferry services, broken down by (a) consultants’ fees, (b) internal staff costs and (c) other costs.

Stewart Stevenson: The costs to engage the consultants to undertake the Study will be about £25,000. No specific budget for internal staff costs was set aside, as this task fell within normal ferry contract management activities and ongoing engagement with the local communities served. No other costs have been identified.

Ferry Services

Cathy Peattie (Falkirk East) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support has been provided to the operators of the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry.

Stewart Stevenson: Waterborne freight grant of £520,000 was paid to Superfast Ferries in 2005. Direct marketing assistance was provided from Scottish Enterprise totalling £2,852,054, and approximately £3.9 million   in marketing support for inbound passengers was contributed by VisitScotland.

  Norfolkline/DFDS was awarded €2,000,000 in waterborne freight grant, of which €1,000,000 has been paid to date. The company has also benefited from £333,300 in marketing support from VisitScotland.

Ferry Services

Jim Tolson (Dunfermline West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it took in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09 and (c) 2009-10 to promote the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry link in continental Europe.

Jim Tolson (Dunfermline West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spent promoting the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry link in continental Europe in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09 and (c) 2009-10, broken down by method of promotion, and how each figure compares to the overall budget allocated to promote the Scottish tourism sector in continental Europe over the same period.

Stewart Stevenson: VisitScotland has worked closely with the operators of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry to help them increase the number of passengers who use the service.

  Activities supported by this expenditure include listing on VisitScotland.com and in the main VisitScotland overseas guide, coverage in direct mail and in inserts, online coverage, tactical advertisements, press/PR activity and coverage at exhibitions.

  The following table summarises the financial information requested. The 2007-08 funding was provided to Superfast who previously operated the service. All funding in following years was provided to DFDS/Norfolkline:

  

Year
Spend on Route Promotion
European Campaign1
Total European Marketing Spend2


2007-08
£128,500
£1,700,000
£2,003,724


2008-09
£85,500
£1,030,000
£2,113,273


2009-10
£149,000
£1,250,000
£2,205,966



  Notes:

  1. European Campaign Spend: denotes VisitScotland’s spend on all campaign activity across Europe, primarily delivered through the European Touring campaign. The Zeebrugge-Rosyth route will have benefited indirectly from this activity in addition to benefiting directly on the route specific promotion.

  2. Total European Marketing Spend: denotes VisitScotland’s budget for marketing within Europe. In addition to the campaign activity, this overall spend covers agency fees, web development, trade marketing activities, PR activity, fulfilment and translation fees.

Fertility Services

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when the National Infertility Group will next meet.

Shona Robison: The National Infertility Group met on 21 September 2010.

Fertility Services

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what action the National Infertility Group will take on the interim report from the Infertility Network Scotland.

Shona Robison: The National Infertility Group considered the interim report from Infertility Network Scotland at its last meeting. The group will deliver its first report to ministers by the end of 2010.

Fertility Services

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is of one cycle of IVF treatment in each NHS board.

Shona Robison: This information is currently being collected and will be analysed by the National Infertility Group at a future meeting.

Fertility Services

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-34556 by Shona Robison on 23 June 2010, whether it will define one cycle of treatment of IVF services.

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether further work has been undertaken on identifying a national tariff for IVF treatment.

Shona Robison: This is one of a number of issues currently being considered by the National Infertility Group.

Fisheries

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with representatives of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency anent a reduction in the number of fisheries protection vessels.

Richard Lochhead: The Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency ("SFPA") was wound up on 31 March 2009. The functions and resources of SFPA were incorporated into Marine Scotland which was launched on 1 April 2009.

  There have been internal discussions within Marine Scotland regarding the surveillance capability and other resources required for future operational tasking.

Fisheries

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministerial approval has been given for a reduction in the number of fisheries protection vessels operated by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency.

Richard Lochhead: The Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency ("SFPA") was wound up on 31 March 2009. The functions and resources of SFPA were incorporated into Marine Scotland which was launched on 1 April 2009.

  Ministerial consent is not considered necessary or appropriate for what are essentially operational decisions. Ministers are, however, routinely kept informed of developments.

Fisheries

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether recent discussions have taken place anent a reduction in the number of fisheries protection vessels and, if so, what the implications are for the replacement of older vessels.

Richard Lochhead: There have been internal discussions within Marine Scotland regarding the surveillance capability and other resources required for future operational tasking.

  Marine Scotland is required to operate in a manner which provides best value for the taxpayer. Risk based deployment and the adoption of new technology should enable similar or improved levels of outputs from three offshore patrol vessels as was achieved previously with four.

  The remaining patrol vessels in the Marine Scotland fleet are relatively new (two to seven years old) and would not normally be expected to be replaced until they are 20 to 25 years old.

Fisheries

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been a reduction in the number of Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency vessels and, if so, whether the affected crew members have been given alternative employment.

Richard Lochhead: The Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency ("SFPA") was wound up on 31 March 2009. The functions and resources of SFPA were incorporated into Marine Scotland which was launched on 1 April 2009.

  The oldest vessel in the Marine Scotland compliance fleet, Marine Protection Vessel "Norna" (launched in 1987), is being decommissioned. Norna’s crews will be re-deployed throughout the rest of the Marine Scotland fleet.

Fisheries

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether, if the number of Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency vessels were to be reduced, assistance would be requested from the Royal Navy to ensure compliance with the regulations governing the trawling of Scottish fishing grounds.

Richard Lochhead: The Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency ("SFPA") was wound up on 31 March 2009. The functions and resources of SFPA were incorporated into Marine Scotland which was launched on 1 April 2009.

  It is very unlikely that Marine Scotland’s compliance monitoring capability will prove to be insufficient for current or anticipated future tasks. In extreme circumstances, and if absolutely necessary, short-term issues can be dealt with by Marine Scotland chartering a suitable vessel and placing its own enforcement officers on board. This is not an unusual practice in many other countries. Marine Scotland do not anticipate requesting assistance from the Royal Navy.

Fisheries

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to schedule direct talks with the governments of Iceland and the Faroe Islands to discuss the total allowable catch quotas for mackerel set by Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

Richard Lochhead: Scottish Officials have been part of an EU delegation that has had direct talks with the Governments of Faroes (9 to 10 September) and Iceland (21 September) on the issue of the unilateral total allowable catches set by these countries. The EU has the lead responsibility for negotiations with external parties on fisheries issues and I have been liaising closely with Commissioner Damanaki to identify how best we can get Iceland and Faroes back to the negotiating table and agree a multilateral deal that is fair for Scotland and protects the long-term sustainability of the stock.

Health

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have Huntington’s disease, broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) NHS board.

Shona Robison: The information requested is not held centrally.

  We are aware the Scottish Huntington’s Association believes there are between 600 and 900 people in Scotland with the disease. The upper end of that range would suggest a prevalence higher than the internationally accepted figure of 1 in 10,000. Because of the inherited nature of the condition, prevalence will not be uniform across the country.

Health

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Scottish Huntington’s Association and what issues were discussed.

Shona Robison: The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing spoke at the Scottish Huntington’s Association annual family conference on 2 November 2009, and met a small group of families living with Huntington’s disease immediately before the conference. The event gave the Cabinet Secretary a further opportunity of discussing at first hand the issues raised by living with Huntington’s disease or caring for someone with the condition.

Health

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what support services are available to people with Huntington’s disease in South West Scotland.

Shona Robison: In NHS Ayrshire and Arran, a Huntington’s disease (HD) management clinic is led by a consultant liaison psychiatrist, and a HD specialist nurse service is provided by the Scottish Huntington’s Association. The board has developed a care pathway for those with HD, as a result of which specialist services are thought to be well integrated with other health and social work agencies.

  In NHS Dumfries and Galloway, people living with HD are supported by the single gene complex needs service. The project is funded by the Scottish Government, and one of its main roles is to provide direct support to families living with single gene conditions, such as HD, that cause complex physical, cognitive and/or psychiatric change.

Health

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve services for people with Huntington’s disease in South West Scotland.

Shona Robison: We have indicated our strong support for the implementation of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland’s clinical standards for neurological health services, published in January. To encourage that process, we are offering funding of around £550,000 in total to the territorial NHS boards to help them develop neurological managed clinical networks as the main vehicle for driving local improvements in services for all neurological conditions, including Huntington’s disease.

Health

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to discuss improving the services available to people with Huntington’s disease in South West Scotland with (a) NHS Ayrshire and Arran, (b) South Ayrshire Council and (c) East Ayrshire Council and, if so, when it expects hold these discussions.

Shona Robison: No such meetings are scheduled at present, but the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing has indicated to the Scottish Huntington’s Association her continued interest in issues relating to Huntington’s disease.

  The Scottish Government Health Directorates are represented on the group set up by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland to take forward its neurological services improvement programme. The action on NHS boards in our long-term conditions action plan relating to the development of neurological managed clinical networks is monitored through our long term conditions programme board.

  Implementation of the standards should lead to improvements in services for those living with Huntington’s disease and their families and carers.

Health

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have not received treatment following a GP referral after 18 weeks, broken down by NHS board.

Nicola Sturgeon: The Scottish Government’s challenging target of 18 weeks from referral to treatment is not due for delivery until end December 2011. ISD Scotland has started to collect data on the 18 weeks referral to treatment time, but it is at an early stage of development. ISD is currently assessing the quality and the reliability of the data ahead of any publication. They hope to announce plans for publication of this new data in the near future.

  We continue to monitor the milestone stage of treatment time standards set as part of the delivery of the 18 weeks referral to treatment time target. The latest published figure for 30 June 2010, showed that NHS Scotland effectively delivered a 12 week wait for a first outpatient consultation and nine weeks for inpatient and day case treatment – three weeks earlier than the current waiting time standard. In addition, 99.8% of patients received one of the eight key diagnostic tests within four weeks – two weeks earlier than the current standard. This excellent performance clearly indicates that NHS Scotland is well on track to deliver the 18 weeks referral to treatment time target.

Homecoming Scotland

Marlyn Glen (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) temporary and (b) permanent jobs have been created in Dundee as a result of Homecoming Scotland 2009 events.

Jim Mather: An independent evaluation of the economic impact of Homecoming Scotland 2009 was done by Glasgow-based EKOS Ltd, a leading independent UK consultancy specialising in economic and social development. In terms of net additional employment, EKOS concluded that Homecoming generated an additional 1,536.4 full-time equivalent. The evaluation did not breakdown this impact on a regional basis.

Homecoming Scotland

Marlyn Glen (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated financial benefit to the local economy in Dundee has been from Homecoming Scotland 2009 events.

Jim Mather: An independent evaluation of the economic impact of Homecoming Scotland 2009 was done by Glasgow-based EKOS Ltd, a leading independent UK consultancy specialising in economic and social development. EKOS concluded that Homecoming Scotland 2009 generated net additional expenditure for Scotland of £53.7 million. The evaluation did not breakdown this impact on a regional basis.

Housing

Mary Mulligan (Linlithgow) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-30126 by Alex Neil on 15 January 2010, what further progress there has been in establishing a housing investment bank.

Alex Neil: A housing investment bank is one of the ideas about how to fund investment in affordable housing which was included in this summer’s wide-ranging debate on how we meet the challenges facing housing over the next five years and beyond. Officials have also been working on access to pension funds and other forms of institutional investment. A policy paper on housing priorities will be published this winter which will reflect the views heard this summer and the outcome from the forthcoming spending review.

Justice

Christine Grahame (South of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision by United States senators in 2008, to support the amendment to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act that prevented the relatives of victims of Pan Am 103 suing US companies who had established trade relations with Libya from securing compensation for the loss of their loved ones, has any impact on the families of Scottish victims seeking compensation from US companies with operations in Scotland, via the Scottish Courts.

Kenny MacAskill: Legal advice on the impact of foreign legislation is not a matter for the Scottish Government.

Livestock

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out research or intends to instruct research into the causes of livestock fatalities due to severe weather.

Richard Lochhead: No specific research has been conducted or is planned into the causes of livestock fatalities due to the severe weather earlier this year.

  However, research looking into the husbandry challenges, economics and sustainability of extensively managed hill sheep farms has been carried out collaboratively between the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC), ADAS and the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute (MLURI). This research was funded by Defra.

  The Scottish Government also supports a range of research providing evidence and advice on best practices for extensive livestock systems in Scotland at SAC and MLURI. One example is the investigation of the potential for using genetic factors to improve lamb survival and development.

Livestock

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought advice from the Farm Animal Welfare Council in relation to livestock fatalities due to severe weather and, if so, what advice it received

Richard Lochhead: The Scottish Government has not sought such advice from the Farm Animal Welfare Council, nor has any advice been received from them.

  However, the Scottish Government receives reports from the Scottish Agricultural College on a range of animal welfare issues including the implications of extreme weather at regular meetings and SAC provides information to farmers in the form of technical notes or press articles on such issues.

Livestock

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to implement recommendations to government included in the forthcoming Farm Animal Welfare Council contingency planning report due for publication early in 2011, in particular in relation to severe weather

Richard Lochhead: The Scottish Government will give full consideration to the recommendations from the Farm Animal Welfare Council when there report is received. No commitment can be given to implement recommendations before they have been received.

Maritime Issues

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether a cost-reduction analysis is underway anent the range of maritime activities and functions that it funds and, if so, what information has been given to the appropriate trade unions.

Richard Lochhead: No cost-reduction analysis across the full range of maritime activities and functions funded by the Scottish Government has been under-taken. However, within Marine Scotland, some consideration has been given to the opportunity to reduce costs as part of a review of their surveillance capability and the other resources required for future operational tasking. Documentation relating to that process was shared with the trade unions.

NHS Finance

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when NHS boards were informed of the conclusions of the Capital Strategy Group on the future handling of capital resources across NHSScotland.

Nicola Sturgeon: NHSScotland Directors of Finance were briefed on the Capital Strategy Group recommendations on 12 August 2010. NHSScotland Chief Executives received a briefing on 18 August 2010 with formal guidance issued via Chief Executive Letter CEL (32) 2010 on 19 August 2010.

NHS Finance

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how much each NHS board has received in capital allocation in 2010-11.

Nicola Sturgeon: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-32579 on 22 March 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx .

NHS Finance

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it estimates that capital allocations to NHS boards are likely to increase or decrease in moving from an Arbuthnott-based to an NHSScotland Resource Allocation Committee-based formula.

Nicola Sturgeon: The overall level of resources allocated will not be affected by the changed basis of the formula. The recommendations of the Capital Strategy Group simply update the basis on which a defined level of resource is allocated to NHS boards. There will be minor variations in the proportion of the total received by individual NHS boards as a result of the change in formula.

NHS Finance

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what projections it has prepared on the future levels of capital resources available to each NHS board under the recommendations made by the Capital Strategy Group on the future handling of capital resources across NHSScotland.

Nicola Sturgeon: The future level of capital resources available will be dependant on the outcome of the spending review.

NHS Finance

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates it has made of how much it is likely to accrue through the return of the capital element of receipts from NHS boards, as recommended by the Capital Strategy Group on the future handling of capital resources across NHSScotland.

Nicola Sturgeon: Capital receipts are typically around £10 million per annum but can vary depending on the nature of surplus assets to be sold. The recommendations of the Capital Strategy Group will not have any short-term effect on NHS boards as they fully recognise that those receipts already factored into NHS board capital plans will be retained by NHS boards locally.

NHS Finance

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the use of new private finance mechanisms for capital investment by NHS boards, as recommended by the Capital Strategy Group on the future handling of capital resources across NHSScotland.

Nicola Sturgeon: The recommendations of the Capital Strategy Group do not change the Scottish Government’s position on the use of private finance. The Scottish Government has applied the Non Profit Distributing model and will continue to do so where value for money is demonstrated.

  Extant guidance contained within the Scottish Capital Investment Manual (SCIM) issued to NHS boards on 1 May 2009 already requires NHS boards to test all new build projects over £20 million for private finance.

  The Scottish Government is supporting the development of the hub initiative, a new joint venture delivery vehicle being taken forward by the Scottish Futures Trust. This will support the delivery of community based facilities for public sector bodies and will utilise both public and private finance. NHS boards will be expected to test private finance for projects delivered through the hub initiative. The application of private finance is predicated on the demonstration of value for money.

NHS Finance

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the recommendations made by the Capital Strategy Group on the future handling of capital resources across NHSScotland are indicative of a return to private sector capital investment in the health service.

Nicola Sturgeon: The recommendations of the Capital Strategy Group do not change the Scottish Government’s position on the use of private finance.

  The Scottish Government has successfully applied the Non Profit Distributing model within NHSScotland and will continue to do so where value for money is demonstrated.

  The hub initiative being taken forward by the Scottish Futures Trust is supporting collaborative planning and procurement of community based facilities across public sector bodies. This model will utilise both public and private finance where appropriate.

NHS Finance

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on NHS boards using private finance in new capital investment.

Nicola Sturgeon: The Scottish Government considers that the use of private finance should only be considered where value for money can be demonstrated. The Scottish Government believes that the Non Profit Distributing model demonstrates best value to the tax payer by capping private sector returns.

NHS Finance

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many new capital investment projects by NHS boards it considers would benefit from the use of private finance.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive which new capital investment projects by NHS boards it considers would benefit from the use of private finance.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many new private finance projects it anticipates will be tested by NHS boards under the recommendations made by the Capital Strategy Group on the future handling of capital resources across NHSScotland.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many new private finance projects it wants to be tested by NHS boards under the recommendations made by the Capital Strategy Group on the future handling of capital resources across NHSScotland.

Nicola Sturgeon: The recommendations of the Capital Strategy Group do not impact on extant guidance contained within the Scottish Capital Investment Manual (SCIM) issued to NHS boards on 1 May 2009.

  Arrangements are currently being developed to support the development of projects under the hub initiative. Again such arrangements will make reference to extant guidance on testing private finance for value for money.

NHS Hospitals

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many inpatient beds there were in (a) NHS Dumfries and Galloway and (b) Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary in (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09 and (iii) 2009-10.

Nicola Sturgeon: The requested information is shown in the following table.

  Average Available Staffed Beds in NHS Dumfries and Galloway and Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary: Years Ending 31 March 2008-10

  

 
2008
2009
2010P


NHS Dumfries and Galloway
 754
 769
 759


Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary
 347
 365
 366



  Source: ISD Scotland [ISD(S)1].

  PProvisional.

  Notes:

  1. The table shows information on average available staffed beds. This indicates the average daily number of beds, which were staffed and were available for the reception of inpatients and day cases.

  2. The figures presented in the table include beds for use by NHS patients that are located in non-NHS locations e.g. joint-user and contractual hospitals.

NHS Hospitals

Karen Whitefield (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many inpatient beds there were in NHS Lanarkshire in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09 and (c) 2009-10, broken down by (i) specialism and (ii) hospital.

Nicola Sturgeon: The requested information is shown in the following table.

  Average available staffed beds in NHS Lanarkshire by location and specialty: years ending 31 March 2008-10:

  

 
2008
2009
2010P


NHS Lanarkshire
 2 503
 2 506
 2 442


Accident and Emergency
 6
 6
 6


Anaesthetics
 27
 30
 31


Cardiology
 35
 36
 33


Communicable Diseases
 19
 18
 15


Dermatology
 13
 12
 13


Diagnostic Radiology
 <1
-
-


Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
 21
 19
 17


Forensic Psychiatry
 11
 11
 11


General Medicine
 405
 414
 414


General Psychiatry
 208
 208
 200


General Surgery
 211
 208
 211


Geriatric Medicine
 606
 632
 657


GP Other than Obstetrics
 91
 91
 93


Gynaecology
 18
 14
 13


Haematology
 14
 15
 14


Learning Disability
 47
 47
 9


Medical Oncology
 1
 1
 <1


Medical Paediatrics
 69
 75
 67


Nephrology
 16
 12
 13


Obstetrics
 78
 74
 74


Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
-
 5
 8


Oral Surgery
 6
 2
-


Orthopaedics
 137
 139
 148


Palliative Medicine
 41
 41
 43


Psychiatry of Old Age
 364
 360
 315


Rheumatology
 3
 3
 3


Thoracic Surgery
 21
-
-


Urology
 36
 34
 34


Airbles Road Centre
 26
 26
 26


General Psychiatry
 10
 10
 10


Psychiatry of Old Age
 16
 16
 16


Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit
 21
 21
 21


Palliative Medicine
 21
 21
 21


Caird House
 10
 10
 10


General Psychiatry
 10
 10
 10


Carrickstone House and Day Hospital
 35
 35
 35


Geriatric Medicine
 35
 35
 35


Cleland Hospital
 72
 72
 30


Psychiatry of Old Age
 72
 72
 30


Coathill Hospital
 73
 68
 45


Geriatric Medicine
 53
 48
 25


Psychiatry of Old Age
 20
 20
 20


Cumbernauld Nursing Home
 52
 52
 52


Psychiatry of Old Age
 52
 52
 52


Hairmyres Hospital
 483
 471
 491


Anaesthetics
 11
 13
 13


Cardiology
 8
 8
 8


Diagnostic Radiology
 <1
-
-


General Medicine
 133
 138
 136


General Psychiatry
 54
 54
 55


General Surgery
 66
 65
 66


Geriatric Medicine
 136
 140
 154


Medical Oncology
 1
 1
 <1


Orthopaedics
 48
 46
 54


Psychiatry of Old Age
 5
 5
 5


Thoracic Surgery
 21
-
-


Hartwoodhill Hospital
 81
 80
 72


Forensic Psychiatry
 11
 11
 11


General Psychiatry
 40
 39
 30


Psychiatry of Old Age
 30
 30
 30


Hatton Lea Nursing Home
 90
 87
 90


Psychiatry of Old Age
 90
 87
 90


Kello Hospital
 22
 22
 22


GP Other than Obstetrics
 22
 22
 22


Kirklands Hospital
 47
 47
 9


Learning Disability
 47
 47
 9


Lady Home Cottage Hospital
 22
 22
 23


GP Other than Obstetrics
 22
 22
 23


Lockhart Hospital
 30
 30
 30


GP Other than Obstetrics
 30
 30
 30


Monklands District General Hospital
 510
 509
 524


Accident and Emergency
 6
 6
 6


Anaesthetics
 5
 5
 5


Cardiology
 21
 22
 19


Communicable Diseases
 19
 18
 15


Dermatology
 13
 12
 13


Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
 21
 19
 17


General Medicine
 125
 125
 130


General Psychiatry
 48
 48
 48


General Surgery
 69
 68
 68


Geriatric Medicine
 76
 79
 93


Haematology
 9
 9
 9


Nephrology
 16
 12
 13


Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
-
 5
 8


Oral Surgery
 6
 2
-


Orthopaedics
 40
 44
 45


Urology
 36
 34
 34


Parksprings Care Centre
-
 24
 48


Geriatric Medicine
-
 24
 48


Roadmeetings Hospital
 34
 34
 34


Geriatric Medicine
 34
 34
 34


St Andrew’s Hospice
 32
 32
 32


Geriatric Medicine
 12
 12
 10


Palliative Medicine
 20
 20
 22


Stonehouse Hospital
 40
 40
 40


Geriatric Medicine
 40
 40
 40


Udston Hospital
 116
 115
 108


Geriatric Medicine
 60
 60
 60


Psychiatry of Old Age
 56
 55
 48


Victoria Memorial Cottage Hospital
 17
 17
 17


GP Other than Obstetrics
 17
 17
 17


Wester Moffat Hospital
 60
 60
 55


Geriatric Medicine
 60
 60
 55


Wishaw General Hospital
 631
 633
 627


Anaesthetics
 12
 12
 12


Cardiology
 6
 6
 6


General Medicine
 147
 151
 148


General Psychiatry
 46
 46
 47


General Surgery
 77
 75
 76


Geriatric Medicine
 100
 100
 103


Gynaecology
 18
 14
 13


Haematology
 4
 5
 5


Medical Paediatrics
 69
 75
 67


Obstetrics
 78
 74
 74


Orthopaedics
 48
 49
 49


Psychiatry of Old Age
 23
 23
 23


Rheumatology
 3
 3
 3


Urology
 <1
 <1
-



  Source: ISD Scotland [ISD(S)1].

  PProvisional.

  - Denotes zero.

  Notes:

  1. The table shows information on average available staffed beds. This indicates the average daily number of beds, which were staffed and were available for the reception of inpatients and day cases.

  2. The figures presented in the published tables are averages; due to rounding, certain totals and sub-totals may not equate to the sum of the component figures shown.

  3. The figures presented in the table include beds for use by NHS patients that are located in non-NHS locations e.g. joint-user and contractual hospitals.

NHS Hospitals

Karen Whitefield (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many inpatient beds there are in NHS Lanarkshire, broken down by (a) specialism and (b) hospital.

Nicola Sturgeon: The most up to date information on NHS Lanarkshire beds numbers (for the year ending 31 March 2010) is available in the answer to question S3W-35948 on 21 September 2010.

  All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

NHS Waiting Times

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is to see a hearing specialist, broken down by NHS board.

Nicola Sturgeon: The median wait for a first assessment with an audiologist for the quarter ending 30 June 2010, by NHS board is as follows.

  Information on waiting times to see an audiologist is published by ISD Scotland as data under development. The quality and accuracy of the data are continuing to be monitored and ISD Scotland is actively working with NHS boards to improve consistency, completeness and timeliness of audiology data.

  The Scottish Government has included audiology services in the 18 weeks referral to treatment time target, which is due for delivery by end December 2011. This is the first time that patients requiring audiology services will be covered by a waiting time target. NHS boards are now actively working to reduce waits for this service.

  Median Wait for a First Assessment with an Audiologist by NHS Board: Quarter Ending 30 June 2010

  

NHS Board
Median Waits (Weeks)


Ayrshire and Arran
7


Borders
6


Dumfries and Galloway
3


Fife
8


Forth Valley
*


Grampian
7


Greater Glasgow and Clyde
5


Highland
11


Lanarkshire
1


Lothian
*


Orkney
2


Shetland
4


Tayside
24


Western Isles
*



  Source: ISD Scotland.

  Note: *Data not available due to system issues.

NHS Waiting Times

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for a patient to receive a hearing aid, broken down by NHS board.

Nicola Sturgeon: The median wait from assessment to the fitting of a hearing aid for the quarter ending 30 June 2010, by NHS board is as follows.

  Information on waiting times for the fitting of a hearing aid from assessment is published by ISD Scotland as data under development. The quality and accuracy of the data are continuing to be monitored and ISD Scotland are actively working with NHS boards to improve consistency, completeness and timeliness of audiology data.

  The Scottish Government has included audiology services in the 18 weeks referral to treatment time target, which is due for delivery by end December 2011. This is the first time that patients requiring audiology services will be covered by a waiting time target. NHS boards are now actively working to reduce waits for this service.

  Median Wait for from Assessment to Fitting of a Hearing Aid by NHS Board: Quarter Ending 30 June 2010

  

NHS Board
Median Waits (Weeks)


Ayrshire and Arran
6


Borders
6


Dumfries and Galloway
12


Fife
0


Forth Valley
*


Grampian
8


Greater Glasgow and Clyde
5


Highland
6


Lanarkshire
2


Lothian
*


Orkney
3


Shetland
4


Tayside
6


Western Isles
*



  Source: ISD Scotland.

  Note: *Data not available due to system issues.

Parliamentary Business

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-21423 by Bruce Crawford on 9 March 2009, for what reason none of the three topics have been debated in its time for debate in the Parliament in the past year.

Bruce Crawford: Over the past year, when proposing the Business Programme to the Parliamentary Bureau, following consultation with business managers, the Scottish Government put forward matters for debate that reflected the issues of interest and importance to the Parliament and the people of Scotland.

Prison Service

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-35575 by Kenny MacAskill on 26 August 2010, what the estimated is cost of (a) legal aid for those prisoners who have raised proceedings, (b) defending the proceedings and (c) all payments made to successful litigants.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:

  (a) The total net cost on the legal aid fund legal aid for those prisoners who have raised proceedings is £376,014. This cost includes the payment of some final accounts. A large part of this cost is made up of cases where the case has not been concluded and the solicitor has been paid on account. These cases are where an action has been raised and sisted whilst a few test cases are pursued. Depending on the outcome of the test cases much of this cost may end up being paid under judicial expenses and therefore will not be a cost on the legal aid fund.

  (b) The estimated cost of defending the proceedings since May 2007 can only be obtained at disproportionate cost. The Scottish Government Legal Directorate represents the Scottish ministers in most of the actions raised since May 2007. As in-house solicitors, their costs are not charged directly to SPS. SPS records from April 2008 show the cost for defending proceedings has been £217,067. These are largely counsel costs. In addition each case is likely to have incurred the following court costs:

  Notification of Intention to Defend: approximately £80

  Motion to sist: approximately £40

  This would give an additional indicative cost of approximately £249,600 for the 2,080 actions.

  (c) The cost of payment in compensation to successful litigants to September 2010 is £297,500.

Prison Service

Margaret Mitchell (Central Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many Schedule 1 offenders have been incarcerated in HMP Cornton Vale in each year since 2006, broken down by offence.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

  In total there have been 44 Schedule 1 Offenders (i.e. those who have a history of offending against children as set out in Schedule 1 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland Act 1995)) incarcerated in HMP Cornton Vale since 2006 the breakdown, by year, is as follows.

  

Year
No. of Offenders


2006
8


2007
13


2008
7


2009
8


2010
8



  The breakdown by offence, associated to the court disposal, is as follows:

  2006

  4 X Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937,S12(1)

  1 X Assault To Injury

  1 X Assault To Injury And Disfigurement

  1 X Culpable Homicide

  1 X Rape.

  2007

  7 X Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937,S12(1)

  1 X Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937

  1 X Con Police (Scotland) Act 1967, Section 41(1)(A)

  1 X Attempted Murder Or Alt Culpable And Reckless Conduct

  1 X Assault To Injury

  1 X Rape

  1 X Warrant Independent.

  2008

  4 X Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937,S12(1)

  1 X Children And Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937, Section 12(1) Or Alt Breach Of The Peace

  1 X Assault And Robbery

  1 X Assault To Injury And Danger Of Life.

  2009

  2 X Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937,S12(1)

  2 X Culpable And Reckless Conduct

  1 X Children And Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937 Or Alt Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982

  1 X Lewd, Indecent and Libidinous Practices and Behaviour

  1 X Assault To Injury

  1 X Warrant Independent.

  2010

  3 X Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937,S12(1)

  3 X Assault To Injury

  1 X Assault To Severe Injury, Permanent Disfigurement and Danger Of Life

  1 X Children (Scotland) Act 1995,S83(A/B/C).

Prison Service

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were estimated to be illiterate in each of the last three years, broken down by prison.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

  I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-29870 on 11 January 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Procurement

Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-33896 by John Swinney on 8 June 2010, how much it paid to consultancy firms during 2009-10, broken down by firm.

John Swinney: We are examining the available information and will write to the member as soon as possible. A copy will also be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 51647).

Public Sector

Ms Wendy Alexander (Paisley North) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees of non-departmental public bodies, public corporations and other public bodies not covered by agency status are paid (a) £100,000 to £150,000, (b) £150,001 to £200,000 and (c) more than £200,000.

John Swinney: Some of this information is already in the public domain.

  Employees of non-departmental public bodies and public corporations in Scotland earning more than £150,000 per year are listed on the Scottish Government website at:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Directorates/high-earners.

  Information requested about those earning between £100,000 and £150,000 is not held centrally and could only be collected at disproportionate cost.

  The Scottish Government has asked non-departmental public bodies and public corporations to publish salary information for those employees considered to be part of their senior leadership team. This information should be available shortly.

Public Sector Pay

Ms Wendy Alexander (Paisley North) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason its 2010-11 guidance on bonus payments to non-departmental public body chief executive officers allows for the payment of a bonus equivalent to 10% of salary.

Ms Wendy Alexander (Paisley North) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its 2010-11 guidance on bonus payments to non-departmental public body chief executive officers.

Ms Wendy Alexander (Paisley North) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the appropriateness of bonus payments for non-departmental public body chief executive officers in 2010-11.

John Swinney: Public Sector Pay Policy for Senior Appointments 2010-11 , published on 5 May 2010, sets out the Scottish Government’s policy for public sector pay for chief executives of NDPBs and public corporations:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/04/27100002/0

  The guidance makes clear that where a contractual entitlement exists, a non consolidated performance related pay may be proposed in recognition of exceptional performance; that any such proposals must include robust supporting evidence; and must be approved by the Scottish Government before any payment is made.

  Since May 2007, we have consistently borne down on both the scale and the coverage of non-consolidated performance-related payments for senior public sector staff. We have reduced the total number of chief executives who have a contractual entitlement for non consolidated performance related pay through changed terms of employment on appointment.

  In addition, in 2009-10 and again this year, we have asked the chairs of non-departmental public bodies and public corporations to invite their chief executives to waive part or all of any bonus to which they may be entitled.

  In the tough financial climate facing us we will continue to restrain the pay and reward packages of senior public sector leaders.

Rail Network

Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what work has been undertaken on the Borders Railway in 2010 and when the line will open to passenger train services.

Stewart Stevenson: A number of very significant items of work have been undertaken on the Borders Railway in 2010, the most notable being procurement and utilities work.

  Transport Scotland commenced formal procurement with the publication of a Contract Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) in late December 2009. A Market Day held in January 2010 to promote the contract was attended by over 55 UK and European companies, resulting in a strong response with five formal expressions of interest received. The five organisations that submitted an expression of interest, comprising a total of 12 construction and financial companies, submitted pre-qualification questionnaires in March 2010. A rigorous and robust evaluation was then undertaken by Transport Scotland to identify the preferred organisations to be invited to participate in the next stage of procurement. Three successful organisations were announced in June 2010 and are currently participating in a period of competitive dialogue with Transport Scotland, set to continue over the next year, to discuss their proposals for delivering the railway and associated infrastructure.

  On 3 March 2010, ancillary works started on site at Galashiels. This package of works includes the movement or protection of a large number of utilities along the route, as well as additional environmental work. These utilities works triggered a clause in the Waverley Railway (Scotland) Act 2006 which states that once work has begun on the railway, the Scottish Government must finish it in its entirety from Edinburgh to Tweedbank.

  With reference to when the line will open to passenger train services, I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-27487 on 25 September 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

  http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Renewable Energy

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the closure of the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme to new applications, when it intends to publish the remit of the feasibility study it has commissioned to look into early stage financing for renewables’ projects.

Jim Mather: The Scottish Government has already commissioned a feasibility study whose summarised remit is to investigate the need and demand for a loan fund to be used by community groups and landowners to finance renewable energy projects. The study will also explore the benefits that such a fund could bring to Scotland. The full remit will be available on the latest news section of the Scottish Government’s energy website on 23 September 2010, found at the following link

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy.

Renewable Energy

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the publication of the report Building a roadmap for heat - 2050 scenarios and heat delivery in the UK, what role it envisages for heat-grids to help manage the matching of electricity demand and supply in future updates to the Renewable Action Plan.

Jim Mather: The Scottish Government recognises the potential role of renewable electricity for heating, and has already supported community owned "wind to heat" small scale projects in more remote areas of Scotland.

  District heating is a new focus in our policy development and actions relating to this will be highlighted in the forthcoming energy efficiency action plan.

  In addition, the Scottish Government is funding a heat mapping pilot in the Highland Council area. The data collected will incorporate heat demand and supply as well as skills and services. The map will be a useful tool to help identify opportunities to maximise the use of renewable heat within all planned new developments (industrial, commercial and domestic) and refurbishment projects.

Residential Care

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many care home places have been available in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.

Shona Robison: The number of care homes places available at the end of March each year, is given in the following table:

  Number of Care Home Places Available, by NHS Board, at 31 March 2010

  

NHS Board
2007
2008
2009


NHS Ayrshire and Arran
3,007
3,187
3,176


NHS Borders
964
886
895


NHS Fife
2,742
2,786
2,906


NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
9,662
9,661
10,002


NHS Highland
3,120
3,029
3,073


NHS Lanarkshire
4,560
4,684
4,738


NHS Grampian
4,816
4,900
5,103


NHS Orkney
138
137
144


NHS Lothian
5,774
5,725
5,840


NHS Tayside
3,984
4,055
4,075


NHS Forth Valley
2,156
2,215
2,234


NHS Western Isles
235
226
226


NHS Dumfries and Galloway
1,249
1,337
1,329


NHS Shetland
158
153
153


NHS Scotland
42,565
42,981
43,894



  Source: Scottish Care Homes Census.

Residential Care

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make publicly available all documentation relating to its review of the personal expenses allowance for residents in care homes for older people, as referred to by the Convener of the Public Petitions Committee ( Official Report c. 1721).

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it received as part of its review of the personal expenses allowance for residents in care homes for older people, as referred to by the Convener of the Public Petitions Committee ( Official Report c. 1721).

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive over what time period it reviewed the personal expenses allowance for residents in care homes for older people, as referred to by the Convener of the Public Petitions Committee ( Official Report c. 1721).

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the findings of its review of the personal expenses allowance for residents in care homes for older people, as referred to by the Convener of the Public Petitions Committee ( Official Report c. 1721).

Shona Robison: In response to enquiries from the Clerk of the Petitions Committee, the Scottish Government replied on 3 March 2009 to say that a feasibility study had been undertaken in spring 2009 into the operation and levels of the Personal Expenses Allowance (PEA). The study revealed that there was limited primary evidence about how residents receive and make use of the PEA, and it set out options and methodologies for undertaking further research about the PEA. The letter went on to explain that any decisions about research on the PEA would feed into the wide ranging review of long-term care funding and delivery in Scotland, and that engagement with stakeholders would be a key part of the long term review.

  Since the date of that letter, many programmes are underway, including our Reshaping Care for Older People Programme, both in Scotland and across the UK, looking at all aspects of the future shape and delivery of long term care for older people including how that care is funded. As this work progresses it would be unhelpful to focus attention narrowly on the value of the PEA. The financial implications of any increase in the PEA would need to be considered within the context of other pressures and priorities for the social care budget.

  The PEA feasibility study took the form of desk-based research relying on evidence and research already in the public domain, and a literature search of published data and reports was undertaken and reviewed. The feasibility study can be accessed on the Scottish Government website at:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/care/CrossCuttingIssues/feasibilitypea.

  and the literature search at:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/care/CrossCuttingIssues/literaturepea.

Scottish Enterprise

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its guidance to non-departmental public bodies on bonus payments in 2009-10, whether it was made aware of the planned bonus to the current Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise for 2009-10 and what action it took.

Jim Mather: The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth wrote to the chairs of non-departmental public bodies in April 2010 asking them to invite their chief executives to consider waiving, on a voluntary basis, some or all of any bonus they might be offered in 2010-11 (in respect of exceptional performance in 2009-10). The bonus payment to the current Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise (Lena Wilson) in respect of her performance in 2009-10 was awarded to her in respect of her performance as Chief Operating Officer of Scottish Enterprise and Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Development International, during the period 1 April to 3 November 2009. The payment of such a bonus was an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. Ms Wilson took up post as Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise on 4 November 2009. She was not considered for a bonus in respect of her performance in that role during the period ended 31 March 2010. Ms Wilson and the other members of Scottish Enterprise’s Executive Leadership Team have indicated that they will not accept a bonus in respect of their performance in the year to 31 March 2011.

Scottish Enterprise

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive who recommended a payment of £115,219 paid in lieu of notice to the former Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise.

Jim Mather: Jack Perry formally resigned as Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise on 28 May 2009. His contract of employment provided for a 12 month notice period and Scottish Enterprise decided that it would hold him to that whilst it recruited a new chief executive and negotiated a start date. Filling a senior appointment like that can often take up to 12 months as a result of the notice period to be served by the successful candidate on his/her existing employer.

  In the event, the successful candidate was an internal candidate, Lena Wilson. She was able to start more or less immediately and Scottish Enterprise decided that she should take up her new post on 4 November 2009. As a consequence, Jack Perry’s notice period was terminated early and he left at that time.

  Decisions on how best to manage the transition were operational matters for Scottish Enterprise. In making those decisions it sought to act in the best interests of the organisation. The final payments made to Jack Perry were no more than was required under his contract.

  As operational matters, decisions on the handling of the transition did not require Scottish Government approval. Ministers and officials were however advised at the time of Scottish Enterprise’s plans. They did not seek to intervene.

  As the post that Lena Wilson had occupied (i.e. the post of Chief Operating Officer) was not backfilled, this meant that Scottish Enterprise was able to reduce its overall salary bill by around £180,000 per annum – and that saving started to accrue as soon as her appointment as Chief Executive took effect.

Scottish Enterprise

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether its officials were made aware of a planned payment of £115,219 in lieu of notice to the former Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise and, if so, whether they raised objections.

Jim Mather: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-35914 on 21 September 2010 All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx .

Scottish Enterprise

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether its ministers were made aware of the planned £115,219 payment in lieu of notice to the former Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise and, if so, whether they lodged any objections with the chair, board or remuneration committee of Scottish Enterprise.

Jim Mather: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-35914 on 21 September 2010 All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx .

Scottish Futures Trust

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will task the Scottish Futures Trust with advising NHS boards on the use of private finance for new capital investment projects.

John Swinney: The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) is advising a number of NHS boards regarding future capital projects. Such advice includes, but is not limited to, issues regarding the use of private finance. For example, SFT is leading on the delivery of the hub Initiative which will deliver community facilities for a range of public sector bodies and for which public capital and private finance can be applied.

Scottish Futures Trust

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Futures Trust has the expertise to advise on maximising benefit from new capital investment projects that use private finance.

John Swinney: Yes. Staff at Scottish Futures Trust have experience in both the private and public sector of delivering capital investment projects using private finance. This experience is demonstrated by SFT’s delivery £111 million of net savings and benefits for the taxpayer during 2009-10, its full year of operation.

Scottish Futures Trust

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Futures Trust will be involved in the use of private finance for capital investment by NHS boards as recommended by the Capital Strategy Group on the future handling of capital resources across NHSScotland.

John Swinney: The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) is and will be involved in supporting NHSScotland on the use of private finance.

  SFT has already supported NHS Tayside on the Mental Health Project which recently reached financial close using the Non Profit Distributing model. NHS Lothian and NHS Borders have also been supported by SFT in the formation of the first hub Company in Scotland, which is a joint venture between the public and private sectors which will deliver a range of community based facilities for the public sector in South East Scotland.

  All NHS boards in Scotland will become involved in hub companies in their areas as other companies come on stream; hub North is expected to be established in December 2010 while hub East Central is due to go into procurement by the end of September 2010 with hub West and Hub South West to follow shortly afterwards.

Scottish Government Funding

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance Pedian Services has received from the Scottish Government or any of its agencies since May 2007.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government or its agencies have given no financial assistance to Pedian Services since May 2007.

Scottish Government Funding

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance the Les Taylor Group has received from the Scottish Government or any of its agencies since May 2007.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government or its agencies have given no financial assistance to the Les Taylor Group since May 2007.

Scottish Government Funding

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance Dualchas Building Design has received from the Scottish Government or any of its agencies since May 2007.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government or its agencies have given no financial assistance to Dualchas Building Design since May 2007.

Scottish Government Funding

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance ICU Europe Technologies Limited has received from the Scottish Government or any of its agencies since May 2007.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government or its agencies have given no financial assistance to ICU Europe Technologies Limited since May 2007.

Scottish Government Funding

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance Tom Heron Priority Management (Scotland) has received from the Scottish Government or any of its agencies since May 2007.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government or its agencies have given no financial assistance to Tom Heron Priority Management (Scotland) since May 2007.

Scottish Government Funding

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance A Tavern Joinery has received from the Scottish Government or any of its agencies since May 2007.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government or its agencies have given no financial assistance to A Tavern Joinery since May 2007.

Scottish Government Funding

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance Ann Buchan Management Systems Support Ltd has received from the Scottish Government or any of its agencies since May 2007.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government or its agencies have given no financial assistance to Ann Buchan Management Systems Support Ltd since May 2007.

Scottish Government Funding

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance Cullen Building Products has received from the Scottish Government or any of its agencies since May 2007.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government or its agencies have given no financial assistance to Cullen Building Products since May 2007.

  Scottish Enterprise has given financial assistance to Cullen Building Products within this period of time. This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and I will ask its Chief Executive to write to you in this regard.

Scottish Government Funding

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance MacKellar Sub-Sea Ltd has received from the Scottish Government or any of its agencies since May 2007.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government or its agencies gave no financial assistance to MacKellar Sub-Sea Ltd since May 2007.

  Highlands and Islands Enterprise has given financial assistance to MacKellar Sub-Sea Ltd within this period of time. This is an operational matter for Highlands and Islands Enterprise and I will ask its Chief Executive to write to you in this regard.

Scottish Government Funding

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance scottishquality.com has received from the Scottish Government or any of its agencies since May 2007.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government or its agencies has given no financial assistance to scottishquality.com since May 2007.

Taxation

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how the First Minister arrived at the figure of almost £900 million stated on 8 September 2010 ( Official Report c. 28246) in relation to his assessment of the fall in Scottish income tax receipts that would have resulted if the Calman Commission on Scottish Devolution’s income tax proposals had been introduced for the start of the last spending review.

John Swinney: The data sources and methodology used to estimate the impact of the Calman Commission’s income tax proposals on the Scottish Government’s Budget during the current Spending Review period are set out in the paper Scottish Government Budget: Calman Commission Proposals.  The paper is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 51636).

  The analysis shows that had the Calman Commission’s income tax proposals been introduced in 2007-08, the Scottish Government’s budget would have been £500 million lower in 2008-09 and £900 million lower in 2009-10 than under the current funding framework.

Taxation

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale is referred to by the First Minister’s figure of almost £900 million stated on 8 September 2010 ( Official Report c. 28246) in relation to his assessment of the fall in Scottish income tax receipts that would have resulted if the Calman Commission on Scottish Devolution’s income tax proposals had been introduced for the start of the last spending review.

John Swinney: Had the Calman Commission’s income tax proposals been introduced in 2007-08, they are estimated to have resulted in the Scottish Government’s Budget in 2009-10 being £900 million lower than under the current funding framework. This would follow an estimated shortfall of £500 million in 2008-09. Further information on this analysis is provided in the paper Scottish Government Budget: Calman Commission Proposals which is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 51636).

Taxation

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the information is publicly available that was used to calculate the First Minister’s figure of almost £900 million stated on 8 September 2010 ( Official Report c. 28246) in relation to his assessment of the fall in Scottish income tax receipts that would have resulted if the Calman Commission on Scottish Devolution’s income tax proposals had been introduced for the start of the last spending review and, if so, where.

John Swinney: The data sources and methodology used to estimate the impact of the Calman Commission’s income tax proposals on the Scottish Government’s Budget during the current Spending Review period are set out in the paper Scottish Government Budget: Calman Commission Proposals.  The paper is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 51636).

Taxation

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has calculated the change in Scotland’s total tax receipts since the start of the last spending review and, if so, to what date and whether this information is publicly available.

John Swinney: The most recent edition of Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) provides estimates of Scottish tax receipts from 2004-05 to 2008-09. Between 2007-08 and 2008-09, GERS estimates that, including an illustrative geographical share of North Sea revenue, total Scottish tax revenue increased by £2.8 billion (5.4%). Over the same period UK tax revenue is estimated to have fallen by £14.9 billion (2.7%).

  Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland 2008-09 is available from:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/06/22160331/0.

Taxation

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has calculated or estimated by how much Scotland’s receipts from (a) corporation tax including from the North Sea oil and gas industry, (b) corporation tax excluding from the North Sea oil and gas industry, (c) capital gains tax, (d) national insurance contributions, (e) VAT and (f) income tax would have changed since the start of the last spending review if Scotland had been independent and, if so, whether this information is publicly available.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that income tax receipts would have risen or fallen since the start of the last spending review if Scotland had been an independent country.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that Scotland’s corporation tax receipts would have risen or fallen since the start of the last spending review if Scotland had been an independent country.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the change in Scotland’s corporation tax receipts if Scotland had been an independent country at the time of the UK Government’s bail-out of the Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds TSB/HBOS.

John Swinney: Estimates of the tax revenue which could have been raised during this period had Scotland been independent are not available.

Traffic

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) minimum and (b) maximum average daily flow of vehicles was on the A95 in (i) 2000-01, (ii) 2001-02, (iii) 2002-03, (iv) 2003-04, (v) 2004-05, (vi) 2005-06, (vii) 2006-07, (viii) 2007-08, (ix) 2008-09 and has been in 2010.

Stewart Stevenson: The following table shows a summary of the information requested for the trunk road section of the A95 (Granish to Keith). Information for the non-trunk section from Keith to Macduff is a matter for the Moray and Aberdeenshire Councils. The figures have been extracted from the Scottish Roads Traffic Database from 2000 to 2010. The figures show two-way flows (i.e. northbound and southbound flows combined) and are taken from automatic traffic counters at eleven sites along the route.

  Average Annual Daily Flow

  

Year
Minimum
Maximum


2000
1,665
4,872


2001
1,752
4,746


2002
1,504
5,028


2003
1,447
5,158


2004
1,855
5,959


2005
1,494
5,542


2006
1,787
5,693


2007
1,817
5,823


2008
1,826
5,702


2009
2,005
5,912


2010 (incomplete)
2,088
6,142



  Traffic flow data for the trunk road network is published on the Transport Scotland website at www.transportscotland.gov.uk.